Report on the A.C.T.T. (Aiud Conservation and Trans-National Training Project) Exchange Visit by the Transylvania Trust (April - May, 1999)

 Introduction/Context

The Aiud Conservation and Trans-National Training Project seeks to rekindle a conservation ethos in Romania through development of professional and managerial skills, and the reintroduction of traditional building craft expertise to ensure the future protection of Romania’s rich historic building legacy. The implementation of the Project has five distinct phases:-

  1. The development of an integrated strategy to foster and support a comprehensive skill base for heritage management and building repair. 

  2. Survey of a key historic building in Romania to act as an international workshop - completed December, 1998. 

  3. Exchange visit by members of the Transylvania Trust to the UK to study conservation practices - April/May, 1999. 

  4. Implementation of a Foundation Project in the UK for selected Romanian craftsmen and conservation professionals - programmed July/August, 1999. 

  5. Implementation of main ACTT Project in Transylvania - programmed summer, 2000.

In addition to these key phases, additional stages of project preparation will be undertaken prior to summer 2000.

Date of Exchange/Venues

The exchange visit by members of the Transylvania Trust took place between 27th April and 16th May, 1999. Members of the Trust were based at St. Thomas’ Chapel, Ludlow. The principal venues visited during the exchange were located primarily within the Marches area and included the historic towns of Ludlow, Hereford, Ledbury and Gloucester, but also extended to Oxford and London.

Organisations/Individuals Involved

The exchange visit was co-ordinated in the UK by:-

  1. Colin Richards - Joint Project Co-ordinator, Conservation Officer of South Shropshire District Council, Vice Chairman of West Midlands Branch IHBC; and

  2. David Baxter - Joint Project Co-ordinator, Principal Building Conservation Officer of Herefordshire Council, Chairman of West Midlands Branch IHBC.

Three members of the Transylvania Trust were involved in the exchange:-

  1. Dorottya Makay - Joint Project Co-ordinator, Director of Department for Training Science, Transylvania Trust.

  2. Csilla Hegedüs - Project Financial Director, Economic Director of Transylvania Trust.

  3. Ádám Maksay - Director of Department of Castles, Mansions and Country Houses of the Transylvania Trust.

A full list of participants and organisations involved in the exchange is given in Appendix 2.

Objectives of the Exchange Visit

  1. To foster a clear understanding of conservation philosophy and techniques to include project specification, procurement of funds, site management/supervision of buildings craftsmen.

  2. To examine financial management of individual projects.

  3. To understand building conservation terminology to enable interpretation/translation.

  4. To enable interaction and cultural exchange between UK and Transylvania Trust team members and to develop and progress discussion in relation to the Foundation and ACTT Projects.

Summary of Activities

The programmed timetable for the exchange visit sought to provide a wide and varied experience of conservation issues in the UK which could directly be related to prevailing and future conservation issues in Romania, and in particular to the development of the ACTT Programme. During the course of the exchange, a number of aspects evolved, from which it became clear that some modification to the programme to meet the evolving situation would significantly benefit the project. A full version of the final implemented exchange programme is therefore given in Appendix 1.

The programme centred around a number of key issues, namely:-

  1. a comparison of traditional and modern technologies in timber frame repair;

  2. alternative uses for ecclesiastical buildings, embracing philosophical and financial aspects;

  3. site management and interpretation;

  4. stone masonry and stained glass window repair technologies;

  5. lime render workshops;

  6. recording and analysis of historic buildings;

  7. financial aspects of area based environmental conservation;

  8. detailed discussions and programme planning for Foundation and ACTT Projects;

  9. team presentations to key UK supporting agencies and media; and

  10. direct educational input at Oxford Brookes and Keele Universities.

Preparation for Foundation/ACTT Projects

Detailed discussions were undertaken by the team on the logistics, programming and financing of the Foundation and ACTT Projects. This also involved discussions with the EUCLID representative (Peter Reed) in respect of EU funding regimes, and with Mrs. Sinzianne Dragos, Cultural Attaché at the Romanian Embassy in London in respect of the value of the cultural exchange which will ensure on implementation of the main ACTT Programme.

Continued development and updating of the requirements of the ACTT programme will be inevitable prior to its implementation, both organisational and technical. A particular need which was identified by the team was that of preparing sample render panels in situ at the Bethlen Gábor College during August/September 1999 to test their weathering capabilities over the coming winter prior to implementation of the repair workshop in the summer 2000.

The Tusnad 2000 International Conference organised by the Transylvania Trust will focus on the philosophy and repair of vernacular buildings. The team have agreed to give a presentation at that conference.

An important element of the visit was a joint presentation and discussion with British Craftsmen who have registered an interest in taking part in the project and who will be instrumental in the craft skills teaching both in the UK and in Romania.

Conclusion

This three week exchange visit embodied a period of intensive learning and cultural exchange of ideals and philosophies between the UK based members and the Transylvania Trust members of the ACTT Project Team. The interaction and variety of activities jointly explored illustrated conclusively the ability of the team to co-operate together, preparing a sound base for the implementation of the ACTT Project.

The exchange attracted considerable media interest from local radio stations, newspapers and the BBC, being broadcast on national television. A particular highlight of the exchange was the success of the team presentation to Herefordshire and Shropshire Council Members, Leaders, Directors, and Planning Committee Chairmen, which resulted in further consolidation of links between the team and those organisations. Also, the commitment of Oxford Brookes University to the project was firmly established and will be developed further during the coming months.

The dedicated work of the Transylvania Trust in historic building conservation in Romania and their professional commitment to the ACTT Project was formally recognised at the conclusion of the exchange at a special meeting of the IHBC Council in London by bestowing upon the Trust, honorary membership of the IHBC. This significantly reinforces the partnership between IHBC and the Transylvania Trust in preparation for the implementation of significant future programmes for the benefit of historic building conservation in Romania.

APPENDIX 1

ACTT

(AIUD CONSERVATION AND TRANS-NATIONAL TRAINING PROJECT)

EXCHANGE VISIT BY TRANSYLVANIA TRUST

27th April - 16th May, 1999

 

TIMETABLE

Tuesday, 27th April

Arrival London, Heathrow 10:20 am.

 

Transfer to Ludlow, Shropshire - arrive 4:00 pm.

 

Accommodation base - St. Thomas Chapel, Dinham, Ludlow.

 

Evening reception and UK Team introduction - Wheatsheaf, Ludlow at 7:00 pm.

 

Wednesday, 28th April

Conservation Issues - Ludlow (am)

 

  1. Townscape renewal.

  2. Historicism versus late C 20th post modernism.

  3. C 20th retailing in historic towns.

  4. Joint presentation - UK and Transylvania Trust members to South Shropshire District Council employees and local societies.

 

 

Project Discussion (pm)

  1. UK based Foundation Project for July/August, 1999.

  2. ACTT Project Programme for summer 2000.

 

Thursday, 29th April

Conservation Issues - Hereford (am)

 

  1. Introduction to timber frame and render repairs.

  2. Maintenance and repair of C 14th timber framed hall - 20, Church Street, Hereford - structural repair using traditional and modern technologies.

  3. Ecclesiastical conservation and renewal - All Saints Church (Grade II*) - study of the church as a community building with combined ecclesiastical and restaurant use - introduction of modern structures into historic fabric. Financial and philosophical aspects of new uses in historic churches.

  4. Hereford Cathedral/Mappa Mundi/Chain Library - new extension to Medieval cathedral.

 

 

Hereford (pm)

  1. Identification and sourcing of appropriate native hardwoods for historic building repair.

  2. Lecture and tour of Border Oak works by John Greene.

  3. Adaptation of traditional timber framing techniques to meet modern Building Regulation standards.

  4. Study of appropriateness of timber frame structures in earthquake zones.

 

Friday, 30th April

Decentralisation (am)

  1. The independent rural town in the C 21st ECO Village Project, Bishop’s Castle.

  2. Lecture by Bob Tomlinson and Patrick Borer, The Six Bells Trust, Bishop’s Castle.

  3. Financial and environmental aspects - comparison with Rimetea Project.

Friday, 30th April

(cont’d…)

The Conservation of Industrial Heritage I (pm)

The Shropshire Lead Mines

Issues:-

  1. Public participation.

  2. Public access.

  3. Health and safety.

  4. Landscape interpretation.

  5. Conservation of buildings and artefacts.

 

Saturday, 1st May

The Conservation of Industrial Heritage II (am)

Study of the World Heritage Site at Ironbridge Gorge (Cradle of Industrial Revolution):-

  1. Interpretation for visitors.

  2. Conservation management.

Alternative Use For Ecclesiastical Buildings:-

  1. St. Julian’s Church - conversion to crafts market with residential accommodation in the tower.

  2. St. Alkmunds Church - conversion to crafts market.

  3. Practical conservation and financial aspects relating to both churches.

English Heritage Site, Wroxeter (remains of Roman settlement):-

  1. Consolidation of masonry - a study of the 1970’s/80’s approach to conservation in situ.

  2. Site management - interpretation, techniques promoted by English Heritage.

 

 

Conservation of Industrial Heritage III (pm)

Ditherington Maltings, Shrewsbury - Grade I listed building.

Study of aspects relating to C 19th fire protection of cast iron structure and conversion to modern uses. Lecture and tour by Mickey King, Conservation Officer, Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council.

 

Sunday, 2nd May

National Trust Interpretation (am)

  1. Tour of the National Trust owned Croft Castle.

  2. Comparison of interpretation facilities with those available at English Heritage sites.

 

 

Landscape Conservation (pm) - Guided walk of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Clun Valley Environmentally Sensitive Area.

Issues:-

  1. Maintenance of an economically viable agricultural industry within a precious historic landscape.

  2. Re-use of obsolete agricultural buildings.

  3. Management of tourism.

  4. Ecological rejuvenation.

 

Monday, 3rd May

Conservation of Medieval Fortifications

  1. Clun Castle - conservation, philosophy and practice.

  2. Stokesay Castle - English Heritage property. Study of presentation and interpretation facilities (audio tour).

  3. Issues relating to masonry consolidation and repair, rebuilding and conserve as found.

 

 

Monday, 3rd May

(cont’d…)

  1. Meeting with Mary King - West Midlands Regional Director, English Heritage and Mickey King, Conservation Officer, Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council

Educational Elements:-

Attendance of lecture on history of museums at Keele University, incorporating conservation practice and philosophy, as well as public access and interpretation of buildings.

 

Tuesday, 4th May

St. Fagans - Museum of Welsh Life

Study of issues relating to site management, public access, re-siting of historic buildings, interpretation and presentation. Discussion and comparison with similar project in Bucharest.

Study of Medieval Churches

  1. Dore Abbey, Herefordshire (circa 1159). Issues relating to upkeep of important Medieval church in rural parish with small congregation. Issues relating to funding, restoration and repair.

  2. Kilpeck Church (of Norman origin). Study of Victorian alterations/conservation of Grade I church. Comparison with modern conservation techniques.

 

Wednesday, 5th May

Pell Well Hall (architect Sir John Soane) (am)

Reconstruction of seminal property to its C 18th format.

 

 

Materials Conservation I (pm)

Visit to Acton Scott Historic Working Farm. Practical demonstration and "hands on" workshop - traditional daubs and lime render. Interview and filming for BBC television.

 

 

Illustrated presentation to Councillors and officials of Shropshire and Herefordshire Councils - The Feathers Hotel, Ludlow. Presentation by UK and Transylvania Trust members of the team (evening).

 

Thursday, 6th May

Team Discussion on the Foundation Project - St. Michael’s Church, Ledbury (am)

  1. Examination of masonry consolidation.

  2. Repairs to tower.

  3. Repairs to historic stained glass and discussion of future repair regime.

  4. Examination of funding for repair works, including fund raising through private and Government sources (led by Ian Stainburn, Architect).

 

 

Home Lacy House, Herefordshire - Grade I Listed Mansion House - Conversion to Hotel (pm)

Issues:-

  1. Effects of humidity on structure.

  2. Plastic render repairs to sandstone masonry.

  3. Pressures for alteration and extension (presentation by Paul Gibbons, Conservation Architect, Herefordshire Council).

 

Friday, 7th May

Conservation Workshop at Treasures of Ludlow (am)

  1. Presentation on the lime cycle.

 

Friday, 7th May

(cont’d….)

  1. The importance of aggregates in render and mortar repairs.

  2. Timber joinery techniques and sourcing of hardwoods.

 Private Initiatives:-

  1. Study of Eastnor Castle (by Sir Robert Smirke) - Grade II* listed castle (1820’s).

  2. Talk and tour by Ian Stainburn (Architect).

Issues:-

  • Sources of finance/fund raising for upkeep.

  • Diverse use of grounds for forestry, camping, rallies, etc.

  • Roof repairs - conservation philosophy relating to reinstatement and detailed lead work.

 

 

Stone Masonry Repairs (pm)

  1. Theoretical and practical demonstration by masons of Gloucester and Worcester Cathedral.

  2. Issues relating to consideration of artificial stone

  3. Use of different types of limestone.

  4. Plastic render repairs.

  5. Philosophy of reinstatement works.

  6. Consideration of fund raising issues.

 

Saturday, 8th May

Based in Hereford:-

  1. Team organisational discussions.

  2. Preparation of letters.

  3. Computer work.

  4. Identification of main issues relating to organisation of remainder of exchange.

 

Sunday, 9th May

Sourcing of educational/teaching material at internationally famous Hay-on-Wye book shops (am)

 

 

Transylvania Dinner - Hosted by members of the Transylvania Trust for the UK team members (evening)

Organisation, discussions on Foundation Project.

 

Monday, 10th May

Historic Building Analysis and Recording

  1. Oxford Brookes University - tuition by Dr. Bob Hook (Royal Commission for Historic Monuments).

  2. Discussion on the role in relevance of conservation courses in Britain, with special reference to Oxford Brookes by Philip Grover (Director, Conservation Course). Comparison with conservation courses in Cluj and Budapest.

 

Tuesday, 11th May

The Conservation of Historic Wall Paintings

  1. Analysis of wall paintings at the Bodlean Library, Oxford (John Ashdown, Conservation Officer, Oxford).

  2. Oxford Castle and Oxford Museum - strategy of re-use and presentation of new uses to underground spaces and extensions to historic buildings.

 

Wednesday, 12th May

European Funding (am)

Meeting with Peter Reid (EUCLID)

Issues:-

Funding for Foundation and ACTT Project

 

Wednesday, 12th May

(cont’d…)

Local Authority Tendering Process:-

Presentation by John Bryan and Andy Jones on Local Authority tendering process and financial site management and related issues

 

 

Team Discussion on the Foundation Project (pm)

 

Thursday, 13th May

English Heritage Finances Meeting (with Ken Taylor, West Midlands Grants Administrator at EH) (am)

IHBC:-

Introduction of Transylvania Trust members to IHBC National Council (honorary membership bestowed)

 

 

Meeting at Romanian Embassy (with Mrs. Sinziana Dragos, Cultural Attaché to the Romanian Embassy) (pm)

 

Friday, 14th May

Discussion on Foundation Project (am).

With particular reference to the involvement of Oxford Brookes University.

  1. The practical logistics to achieving the project.

  2. The identification of the areas to be achieved in the programme.

  3. The funding of the Foundation Project.

 

 

Detailed discussion on the ACTT Project, with particular reference to funding and logistical implications of implementation of the programme (pm).

 

 

Presentation of Foundation and ACTT Projects, jointly by members of the UK Team and the Transylvania Trust, two UK craftsmen and specialist conservation firms (evening).

 

Saturday, 15th May

Discussion on ACTT Project (am).

 

 

Office work and conclusion meetings in relation to both ACTT and Foundation Projects (pm).

 

 

Farewell assembly of ACTT Team and traditional English Ceilidh (evening).

 

Sunday, 16th May

Depart for London.

 

 

APPENDIX 2

A C T T

Organisations/Personnel Involved in Exchange : 27th April to 16th May, 1999

A) Organisations

The British Embassy, Bucharest (main sponsor for exchange).

The British Council, Bucharest.

The Foreign Office.

Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) - National Council and West
Midlands Branch.

South Shropshire District Council.

Herefordshire Council.

North Shropshire District Council.

English Heritage.

Romanian Embassy (London)

B) Personnel

Dorottya Makay

-

Joint Project Co-ordinator and Director of Department for Training and Science, Transylvania Trust.

 

Csilla Hegedüs

-

Project Financial Director and Economic Director of Transylvania Trust.

Adam Maksay

-

Director of Department of Castles, Mansions and Country Houses of the Transylvania Trust.

Colin Richards

-

Joint Project Co-ordinator; Conservation Officer of South Shropshire District Council; and Vice Chairman, West Midlands Branch, IHBC

David Baxter

-

Joint Project Co-ordinator; Principal Buildings Conservation Officer, Herefordshire Council; and Chairman, West Midlands Branch, IHBC.

Becky Waddington

-

Conservation Officer, Colchester District Council.

Noel Knight

-

Conservation Buildings Surveyor, Herefordshire Council.

Ian McCaig

-

Conservation Assistant, North Shropshire District Council (former English Heritage Project Manager - Fort Brockhurst).

Denis Vickers

-

Conservation Architect.

Philip Grover

-

Course Director, MA Conservation Course, Oxford Brookes University.

Paul Humphreys

-

Building Control Officer, South Shropshire District Council.

Kathryn Baird

-

Conservation Officer, North Shropshire District Council.

Charles Shapcott

-

Structural Engineer, English Heritage.